For the first time in more than 11 weeks, ethical humanitarian aid is flowing back into Gaza. This amendment to Elhanan’s order follows sustained international pressure, primarily led by the United States, to end Israel’s decades-long blockade of the area. Since March 2, Israel has prevented any flow of humanitarian support into Gaza. They point out that Hamas is reaping the rewards of the aid. This blockade has caused the most devastating humanitarian crisis on the globe, worsened by chronic rising temperatures and mass displacement.
Monday saw only five trucks filled with food, water and other relief supplies entering Gaza. The next day, in stepped 93 additional vehicles, followed by more than 100 on Wednesday. Underneath the weight of those plates, those trucks delivered life-saving items like flour, baby supplements and other food products to the beleaguered region. The United Nations has stated that the flood of humanitarian assistance is inadequate. They call it “nowhere near enough,” given the battle-hardened and devastated state of housing.
“It is difficult to imagine a starker message.” Catherine Russell, the U.N.
“The few trucks that have entered with life-saving supplies are nowhere near sufficient and have yet to reach those in desperate need. We’re running out of supplies inside Gaza, and we’re running out of time.” – Catherine Russell
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with reports indicating a “major water crisis due to the reduction in fuel supplies,” according to Asem Alnabih, a spokesman for Gaza City. The biggest desalination plant in northern Gaza lies within an incredibly small radius that the military warned civilians to evacuate. This adversity only compounds the barriers many face in accessing clean, safe water.
Thousands of nearly 20,000 displaced residents have moved to Al-Mawasi, a coastal strip located in southern Gaza. This region lacks connection to the main water network and relies heavily on water trucking, which is inconsistent and inadequate. Fact box caption The continued displacement in Gaza is overwhelming humanitarian responders. This increasingly dire situation has been pointed out by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
The main European hospital in southern Gaza is no longer operational after multiple Israeli airstrikes last week. This policy change is further aggravating the emergency room crisis for patients requiring urgent medical treatment. At the same time, Al Awda Hospital in northern Gaza, the only other facility still partially operative in northern Gaza, was hit on Wednesday. In addition to the hospitals listed above, Kamal Adwan Hospital has stopped functioning entirely.
For months, aid agencies have been sounding the alarm. They warn that without a major increase in supplies flowing into Gaza, millions of people will soon be at grave risk of starvation. The already dire lack of public shelter space only deepens this crisis, with thousands still displaced from their homes.
Here’s what Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the Secretary-General of the United Nations, told us about the day and the sobering reality that humanitarian workers now must work in.
“Israeli authorities had only allowed our teams to go through one area where that was highly congested, that we felt was insecure and where we felt looting was highly likely to take place given the prolonged deprivation in Gaza.” – Stephane Dujarric
On the ground these efforts are increasing. Officials continue to stress the next few days are essential for alleviating the pain of those affected. As our friend and former UK Ambassador to Lebanon Tom Fletcher — who has deep roots in Gaza — said, sustained engagement is critical.
“In close touch with team in #Gaza. Today will be crucial. Truckloads of lifesaving aid finally on move again.” – Tom Fletcher
The International Committee for the Red Cross (ICRC) stressed that the situation had reached a boiling point. They promised that “the next few days will be decisive.”
